PACIFIC DEFENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 143, 18 June 1940, Page 8

PACIFIC DEFENCE.

JAPAN'S SUSPICIONS. U.S. Denies Negotiations With Allies. ALL EYES ON FRANCE. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received noon.) . WASHINGTON, June 17. Mr. Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, said there was no truth in Japanese Press reports that the United States had participated in negotiations for maintaining the stability of European possessions in the Far East or other countries there, such as Siam. " Japan is opposed to joint British, American and French control of IndoChina, alleged to be under negotiation, | says the Tokyo "Xiclii Nichi Shimbun.' i It asserts that, owing to the "miser"able defeat" of the Allies the British and American Governments had concluded a secret agreement for joint defence of British and French possessions in the South Pacific, including Australia, New Caledonia and the East Indies. Mr. Hull said the United States was closely watching developments in Europe, which might affect French possessions in the Western Hemisphere. Senator T. Connally, of Texas, said in the Senate that the United States should send warships immediately to protect British and French possessions in the Western Hemisphere. "Any delay will involve us in difficulties;" he said. "If we are afraid to maintain the Monroe Doctrine we may as well delay our preparations for preparedness." The French Ambassador conferred with Mr.' Cordell Hull, presumably re: garding the French war orders.